25 Brands that help families during the holidays

Maria Mora is a freelance writer and single mom fueled by coffee, questionable time management skills, toaster oven waffles and the color orange. She lives in Florida with her two young sons. If you see her on Twitter, tell her to stop p...

Brands that give back this season

Wondering which brands devote resources to families during the holiday season? We've found 25 brands that help out when it really counts. Add some holiday giving to your shopping list.

Brands that give back this season

Wondering which brands devote resources to families during the holiday season? We've found 25 brands that help out when it really counts. Add some holiday giving to your shopping list.

As you approach your holiday shopping list, keep these 25 brands in mind. Each helps out families during the holiday season.

1

Macy's

For the sixth year, Macy's has kicked off its Believe program benefiting Make-A-Wish. Embracing the spirit of imagination and hope, the program donates $1 for every letter to Santa mailed from a local Macy's store.

2

Stand Up to Cancer

Thanks to proceeds that benefit accelerated cancer research, the Stand Up to Cancer (SU2C) shop is a wonderful place to pick up a gift with meaning — 100 percent of public funds go directly into research grants. Your purchase can benefit families affected by cancer this season and beyond.

3

Trouble the Dog

Trouble the Dog is a simple plush toy that offers children comfort and hope, particularly in devastating situations. This holiday season, creator Sheila Duncan has teamed up with the SPCA. A portion of proceeds will help real dogs find homes with loving families.

Duracell

These days, many toys are battery operated. This holiday season, through its Power A Smile program, Duracell is donating a battery to Toys for Tots for each Quantum AA 12 pack and Coppertop AA 16 pack purchased.

6

Ritz-Carlton

At the Ritz-Carlton in Washington, D.C., a massive Wishing Tree in the lobby is decorated with the wishes of the children of Martha's Table. The hotel invites guests and locals to visit the tree and fulfill wishes of local children in need.

7

Gandzee

Throughout the year, innovative children's clothing company Gandzee donates resources to the Weekend BackPack Program, which delivers backpacks full of food to students in need every Friday afternoon at the end of the school day.

8

Toys R Us

Through its 10th annual holiday campaign benefiting Toys for Tots, Toys R Us has partnered with Shaquille O'Neal to raise funds and awareness. This year's campaign began with a $250,000 donation and continues by encouraging shoppers to donate new, unwrapped toys in stores or through online purchases.

9

eCreamery

During the holiday season, when you splurge on the unique gift of custom mixed ice cream, eCreamery donates a portion of the proceeds to Big Brothers Big Sisters. The holidays are a special time to support kids who need mentoring.

Neiman Marcus

Although most Americans will only giggle at the ultra-pricey items on the Christmas Book’s fantasy gifts list, those who do take the plunge will help contribute big money to the The Heart of Neiman Marcus Foundation. This foundation supports the arts for children.

12

Shoebuy

This holiday season, Shoebuy’s In Their Shoes campaign encourages customers to donate money to charities such as Oxfam America, which works to right the wrongs of poverty and hunger.